Hamilton Wood Type Must Move, Urgently Needs Funding

Hamilton Wood Type and Printing Museum will no longer reside in the building that bears its name. The property owners recently informed the museum that the 1619 Jefferson St. building in Two Rivers, Wisconsin will close and must be vacated, perhaps as early as February 2013.

“We are definitely moving and will be staying in Two Rivers,” says Jim Moran. “Unfortunately, the hopes of staying in the Hamilton building are not an option. It will be an important break in continuity for Hamilton as a manufacturer going back to 1880. However, this is an opportunity to find a location where we can better protect, preserve, organize and demonstrate this enormous and valuable collection.”

Moran estimates it will require at least $250,000 and an army of volunteers to physically move the millions of pieces of type, plates, presses, tools and raw materials. He adds, “We are humbly, but aggressively asking for cash donations.”

When a final date has been determined, workshops and other events at the museum will cease at least one month prior to the move. Hamilton Wood Type intends to host a farewell party with celebrated authors, professors and practitioners among the guest speakers. Hamilton will publish key dates for the move and volunteer opportunities as they are established.